Girl With The Golden Gloves: Katie Taylor Announces First Fight on Home Soil Since Olympic Win

The girl with the golden gloves, Katie Taylor, has admitted that she can’t wait for her first fight on home soil since she became an Olympic Champion over the summer.

The Irish Independent reports that Katie will face an unconfirmed opponent on Sunday, February 24^th at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre in Dublin. The fight will mark the start of Katie’s preparations for a successful defence of her Olympic title in Rio in 2016.

“It’s great to have a date to focus on now and it will be great to box at home as Olympic champion,” said Katie.

Speaking about her time at the Olympic Games in London this summer, Katie said that she was “humbled” by the support she received.

“I was humbled by all the people who came over to support me in London, it felt like the Irish fans took over the arena for my fights so it’s great now that people will have a chance to see me on home soil taking on world-class opposition,” said Katie.

Katie celebrates after a win at this year's Olympic Games in London

Katie, who has confirmed that she will remain an amateur boxer, said that she is also hoping to add to her four world and five European titles over the next few years.

“I’m still only 26 and I feel I have things to prove and things to achieve in the sport. I’m constantly learning in the gym and looking to improve,” said Katie.

“I’ve always set myself goals and I want to retain that Olympic title in Rio in 2016 and retain my European and world titles as well so I’m hungrier than ever to keep improving,” she added.

Katie’s opponent for her February fight is set to be announced in the coming weeks.